I was visiting a close friend in the hospital yesterday who is recovering from a mild stroke. She is an 89 year old woman who has always embraced complementary/alternative remedies and methods. Her constitution is very strong and vital although the stroke has left her feeling exhausted. Last night the nurse popped in to see if my friend had had a flu shot. My friend wasn’t in a position to protest so they gave her one. Hopefully her strong constitution will adjust accordingly.

Every winter advertisements emerge urging vaccination for the flu shot. The benefits of the flu shot are doubtful and potentially harmful –especially for the most susceptible population – infants, children and the elderly. Homeopaths offer an alternative to the flu shot which has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of primary flu-related symptoms such as chills, muscle aches and fever. The homeopathic flu remedy is derived from the virus of the present flu circulating, minus the mercury and other toxic preservatives and bonding agents. Taken orally, each dose is a highly diluted form of the virus material alone, which triggers the body’s own defense mechanism to combat influenza. By not being injected directly into the blood stream, the oral remedy is processed through the mucous membranes, as it would be if the virus was contracted naturally.

No system of vaccination can provide a 100% guarantee of protection. However the homeopathic immunization is unique in being free of side effects, gentle and highly effective. It is safe for pregnant mothers, newborns, children and the elderly. Additionally, homeopathic remedies will work with prescription drugs and not interfere with the action of those drugs. Homeopathy is the fastest and most effective way to treat influenza.

Homeopaths have been treating these viruses for over 200 years with great success. While it is possible that even the healthiest person can contract the flu if they are exposed during a time of high stress or a period when they are not eating as well as they should. Here are a few remedies to use to alleviate any flu symptoms and speed your recovery: Gelsemium – this remedy alone saved thousands of people from death in the mass influenza epidemic of 1918. At that time, many MD’s were homeopaths and their patients recovered when traditional therapies failed. The flu symptoms covered by Gelsemium include: dizziness, drowsiness, dullness, muscle pain, heavy head sensation and head “fullness”. Eupatorium Perfoliatum is an effective remedy for the bone aches that often accompany flu. It is also effective for “flu” headache with pain in the eyes.

So tonight I will visit my friend and see how she is doing. Should there be any reaction to the vaccination I am glad that I will have homeopathic medicines on hand to treat her. In my practice, especially during the H1N1 scare, I was very busy not only providing a safe alternative to the flu shot but also responding homeopathically to a wide range of reactions to the flu shot. So check with your homeopath and find truly successful ways to prevent and treat flu.